nucmednet Chapter 514 Asking for a reward? This is really unlike his usual style!
Chapter 514 Asking for a reward? This is really unlike his usual style!
Inside the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, Chu Ruohan had just finished dealing with several matters when the steward hurriedly reported that someone from the palace had arrived, bringing with them a reward from His Majesty.
She walked to the front yard and was immediately drawn to the magnificent, pure white horse.
The horse had long, powerful hooves and a lithe body. It had a regal air about it and was a prized Ferghana horse from the Western Regions.
A chief eunuch, all smiles, stepped forward, unfurled the bright yellow imperial edict, and read it aloud.
"Lady Chu, wife of the Duke of Zhenguo, is of noble character and kind heart. She has assisted the Empress and made great contributions... Therefore, she is hereby granted a Ferghana horse from the Western Regions to commend her virtue. This is the imperial decree."
Chu Ruohan curtsied and said in a steady voice, "Your subject accepts the imperial decree and expresses gratitude."
After seeing off the eunuch who delivered the imperial decree, she walked to the white horse and gently stroked its smooth neck.
The horse gently nuzzled her palm, showing none of its wildness.
Her delicate eyebrows furrowed slightly without her noticing.
Why would the Emperor suddenly think of rewarding her with a horse?
Although she and the Empress were the main figures in the Liu Consort case, the credit was openly attributed to Gu Junze and His Majesty's ruthless methods.
This special reward given to her came somewhat abruptly, and was also...intriguing.
As she pondered the key to it, she heard familiar, steady footsteps behind her.
"What are you thinking about?" Gu Junze had appeared behind her at some point, exuding the solemnity of the imperial court.
Chu Ruohan turned around, pointed to the magnificent white horse, and spoke frankly.
"I'm wondering if my husband has done something behind my back again?"
Gu Junze looked at her slightly furrowed brows, a hint of a smile appearing in his eyes, and his cold and stern face softened.
He walked to her side, stood beside her, put his arm around her waist, and let her lean against him.
“I’m not hiding this from you,” his deep voice whispered in her ear, “this is what I got for you.”
Chu Ruohan looked up at him in surprise: "You? You went to ask His Majesty for a reward?"
This is really unlike his usual style.
"Ah."
Gu Junze readily admitted it, and he took her hand that was stroking the horse, wrapping his large palm around her slightly cool fingertips.
"His Majesty wanted to reward me, but I have already reached the pinnacle of my official rank, and worldly possessions like gold and silver are of no use to me. That's when I thought of you."
His gaze was deep and focused, as if he could see only her in the whole world.
“In two months, it will be the autumn hunt,” he explained. “This horse is gentle and best suited for women to ride.”
"These days are a good time for you to practice your riding skills and get to know the horses. Then I'll take you out for a good ride."
Chu Ruohan's doubts vanished instantly, replaced by a warm feeling.
So that's what he was after. To ensure she could have a good time during the autumn hunt, he went so far as to personally speak to the emperor.
She leaned against his strong chest, feeling his steady and powerful heartbeat, and couldn't help but smile.
"Our Duke Zhenguo has even learned to use connections to please his wife," she teased softly, her tone full of sweetness.
"It doesn't count as a backdoor," Gu Junze corrected her seriously, but his large hand pulled her even tighter.
"You have already rendered meritorious service in assisting the Empress. You deserve this reward."
He paused, then added, "Besides, I just want to see you riding your horse on the hunting grounds; it must be... quite a sight."
Chu Ruohan's cheeks flushed slightly from his rare, straightforward praise, and she gently punched him.
"Grumpy."
Gu Junze let her hit him, but he didn't loosen his grip on her hand at all.
The afterglow of the setting sun filtered through the branches and leaves in the courtyard, casting dappled light and shadow on him and her.
"You've had a hard time in the palace these past few days." He lowered his head, his nose almost touching her forehead, his voice filled with tenderness.
"During the autumn hunt, there is no one else but the mountains and forests and you and me. Let's relax and unwind."
Chu Ruohan looked up at the tenderness and determination in his eyes, and felt a sense of peace in her heart.
The turmoil in the imperial court and the intrigues in the harem seemed to fade away at this moment.
All he had was a husband who wanted to take his wife on a trip, and a wife who was overjoyed.
“Okay,” she replied softly, “then I will wait and see my husband hunt down the fattest rabbit for me in the hunting grounds.”
Upon hearing this, Gu Junze chuckled softly, the vibrations of his chest transmitting to her through their pressed bodies.
“Okay, it’s a deal,” he agreed, leaning down to place a gentle kiss on her forehead.
The autumn grasses at the Royal Horse Ranch on the outskirts of Beijing are turning slightly yellow.
Chu Ruohan wore a sleek red riding outfit that accentuated her snow-white skin and gave her a heroic and dashing appearance.
The white horse beneath her galloped across the grassland like a streak of white lightning.
Not far away, Gu Junze stood with his hands behind his back, his deep gaze following the leaping red figure, his eyes filled with undisguised admiration and tenderness.
Since acquiring this fine steed, Chu Ruohan has frequently come here to practice riding skills, preparing for the upcoming autumn hunt.
"Shut up!"
Chu Ruohan gave a soft shout, pulled on the reins, and the white horse neighed and came to a steady stop in front of Gu Junze.
Fine beads of sweat glistened on her forehead, her cheeks were flushed with a healthy rosy glow from exercise, and her bright eyes shone with an astonishing brilliance.
"How was it?" she asked, raising her eyebrows, her tone carrying a hint of girlish pride.
Gu Junze stepped forward, naturally took the reins, and with his other hand took out a handkerchief that he had prepared beforehand to gently wipe the sweat from her forehead.
"She was beautiful, her horse was fine, and her horsemanship was unparalleled in the capital."
Chu Ruohan was amused by his generous praise...